HAIRBREADTH ESCAPE Meaning and
Definition
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A hairbreadth escape refers to a narrow and extremely close call or escape from a dangerous or life-threatening situation. It is often used to describe a thrilling and intense scenario where the protagonist barely manages to avoid a dire outcome by a very small margin.
The term "hairbreadth" originates from the idea of a width as thin as a single strand of hair, emphasizing the minuscule distance between survival and catastrophe. It conveys the sense of a highly unpredictable event, where any slight misstep or delay could have resulted in tragedy.
The phrase is commonly used in literature, movies, and storytelling to build suspense and excitement. It captures the essence of a heart-stopping moment, where the individual navigates through a perilous situation with skill, courage, or just pure luck.
Hairbreadth escapes can take many forms, such as narrowly dodging a speeding car, escaping a burning building seconds before it collapses, or avoiding a fatal fall from a great height. The intensity of such escapes can leave individuals breathless and with a renewed appreciation for life.
Overall, a hairbreadth escape denotes a barely achieved survival, highlighting the extraordinary circumstances that the person overcame through their quick reflexes, resourcefulness, or fortuitous chance. It is a testament to human resilience, the fragile line between life and death, and the overwhelming relief that comes from narrowly evading danger.
Common Misspellings for HAIRBREADTH ESCAPE
- gairbreadth escape
- bairbreadth escape
- nairbreadth escape
- jairbreadth escape
- uairbreadth escape
- yairbreadth escape
- hzirbreadth escape
- hsirbreadth escape
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- hqirbreadth escape
- haurbreadth escape
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- haiebreadth escape
- haidbreadth escape
- haifbreadth escape
- haitbreadth escape
Etymology of HAIRBREADTH ESCAPE
The etymology of the phrase "hairbreadth escape" can be traced back to Middle English and Old Norse.
The term "hairbreadth" comes from the combination of "hair", which refers to a single strand of hair, and "breadth", which means width or extent. In this context, "hairbreadth" is used to describe something extremely narrow or close.
The use of "hairbreadth" to denote a narrow escape or a very close call can be traced back to the 15th century. It is believed to have emerged from an Old Norse expression "hedinn erfiði", which means "the edge of danger". This phrase was later borrowed into Middle English as "hadynbrede", and eventually evolved into "hairbreadth".
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